“Climbing Mt. Everest was the second hardest thing I’ve ever done. The second nearest I’ve ever felt to dying. The first is being an entrepreneur.” – Erik Severinghaus While the entrepreneurial industry takes advantage of the natural optimism of entrepreneurs, the truth is far more ominous. The entrepreneurial community faces three times the rate of substance abuse and twice the rate of suicide as the general population. The books, movies, and conferences on entrepreneurship amplify only the voices of the […]

Now in its 21st year, our Nonprofit Start-Up Workshop is designed to help you through the legalities and business issues you'll face in launching your new organization. We help you to complete the necessary state and federal forms and provide a wealth of practical advice including business, governance, and financial matters for nonprofit start-ups. REGISTER HERE

Join investor-in-residence Dipa Mehta and professor Lindsey Lyman to learn about the industry landscape of corporate venture capital and corporate innovation. REGISTER HERE

Increased online shopping during the pandemic means consumers are being flooded with more packages than ever. Packaging can make your shipments stand out from those of other businesses and products, while helping reduce damages and save money. In this session, Kim Dixon, FedEx Office Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer, will discuss key packaging considerations for small-business shippers and share how optimizing your packaging can increase customers’ satisfaction and even reduce waste and cost. You’ll learn about: Packaging Basics […]

During this interactive and entertaining session, you will discover how to build and maximize your company’s Brand. Learn how you can powerfully communicate your Brand to customers, buyers, investors, the media and more by using crafty and affordable methods. Attendees will have a first-hand look at what other early-stage companies are doing to achieve branding success. We’ll pull back the curtain and explore the difference between inspired and uninspired businesses. By the end of the session, you’ll realize new and […]

Ashley Quinto Powell is a self-advocacy expert who focuses on the intersection of work, family, and self. She is a national speaker — most recently for the TEDx, Pinterest, and Google — and she supports women in business through formal and informal mentorship communities. Quinto Powell is the founder of The Madison Bossy and The Chicago Boss, a community of women actively advancing their careers while raising children. She has been quoted in MSNMoney.com and the Huffington Post and is […]

As we begin the New Year, join the Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at our annual Entrepreneurial Outlook series to discuss important emerging trends in select industries. In Media and Entertainment 2021, a panel of expert venture capitalists and entrepreneurs in the field of media/entertainment businesses will discuss the state of the industry in 2021, what changes have occurred in the industry due to COVID-19, and where they see opportunities for entrepreneurship and innovation within the field this coming […]